A new study claims that almost one-fourth of Americans (24%) are having second thoughts about upcoming travel amid recent and current global events.
On April 6, The Points Guy published a data-filled report with polling research it commissioned YouGov to conduct. The report focused on Americans’ current feelings about traveling. Of the group second-guessing their forthcoming travel itineraries, 13% said they were “somewhat” reconsidering, while 11% said they were “significantly” reconsidering. An equal group of people surveyed (24%) said they hadn’t reconsidered their upcoming travel in light of recent and ongoing global events.
Sixty-six percent of those with upcoming trips say they haven’t changed their travel plans due to the world’s happenings. Moreover, 46% shared that they aren’t avoiding any international destinations, nor are geopolitical tensions or safety concerns impacting where they choose to travel.
However, 15% said they’ve chosen to postpone their travel. Additionally, 8% of participants said they canceled their trip, another 8% changed their destination, and 6% changed their travel arrangements. The survey also found that, specifically regarding international travel, 20% are avoiding it completely. That said, a notable 15% are opting to just be more selective, saying that they’re “avoiding certain international destinations.”
The study was conducted between March 16 and 17 with a sample of 2,477 American adults, 1,145 of whom were travelers with upcoming trips.
What Else Is There To Know About American Travelers’ Changing Habits?
A variety of significant international and globally impactful events have happened in the last several weeks. Participants in the commissioned survey ranked the Middle East (68%) and Central America (40%) as the top two regions they are “currently hesitant to travel to because of geopolitical tensions or safety concerns.”
In late February, the U.S. and Israel jointly took action against Iran, and a war remains ongoing. Since the escalation in conflict, the Middle East has experienced travel disruptions that have impacted travelers worldwide and various international carriers. The U.S. has since issued a worldwide caution for Americans going abroad. Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the war began, drastically impacting the global oil supply chain (including jet fuel) and associated costs.
Also in February, Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination on Mexico’s West Coast, underwent a dramatic incident wherein authorities killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka “El Mencho.” Those in the region had to shelter in place. Moreover, stateside, the country entered a partial government shutdown that significantly impacted Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration operations. The latter led to hours-long TSA lines at select airports across the U.S.
All of the aforementioned situations have been occurring during typical spring break and shoulder season travel periods, adding to strains on flyers, airlines, and airports.
